Cut control method, cutting device, and program

Abstract

To remove an unnecessary area at the inner side of a cut area easily and smoothly.SOLUTION: A cut device 10 comprises: a cutting part 17 which cuts a sheet of paper (a cut medium) 60 with a cutter blade 174 based on cut data (predetermined design information); and an MPU (a control unit) 11. When the cut data (the predetermined design information) includes unnecessary area information indicating an unnecessary area to be removed after cutting, the MPU (the control unit) 11 controls the cutting part 17 to perform scrap removal cutting (special cutting) to the inner side of the unnecessary area. The scrap removal cutting is performed in a second cutting method different from a first cutting method which is a way to move the cutter blade 174 when cutting is performed based on the cut data (the predetermined design information).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting control method, a cutting device, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a cutting device for cutting a work piece to be cut has been known. Regarding this cutting device, Patent Document 1 below discloses a forming device for an adhesive sheet that cuts the outer periphery of a cutting region and also cuts an unnecessary region inside the cutting region.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the forming device for an adhesive sheet disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, when the shape of the unnecessary region inside the cutting region is irregular, a removing device (extrusion device) cannot be used when removing the unnecessary region. Therefore, in such a case, it is necessary to manually remove the unnecessary region inside the cutting region, which may take time or damage the necessary region.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to simply and smoothly remove an unnecessary region inside a cutting region.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the present invention's One aspectThe cut control method is a cut control method for a cutting device equipped with a cutting unit that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, and includes a step of controlling the cutting unit to perform a special cut inside the unnecessary area when the design information includes unnecessary area information indicating an unnecessary area to be removed after the cut, and the special cut is performed by a second cutting method that is different from a first cutting method which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information. The first cutting method is a method in which, when cutting a bent line in which lines of different directions are connected, the cutter blade is retracted from the medium to be cut to change the direction of the cutter blade after completing the cut from the start point to the end point of one line of the bent line, and the second cutting method is a method in which, when cutting the bent line, the cutter blade is retracted from the medium to be cut to change the direction of the cutter blade, and the cutter blade is retracted from the medium to be cut to start cutting the other line of the bent line. It is characterized by the following: Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cutting control method for a cutting apparatus comprising a cutting unit that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, wherein the cutting unit is controlled to perform a special cut inside the unwanted area when the design information includes unwanted area information indicating an unwanted area to be removed after the cut, the special cut is performed by a second cutting method different from a first cutting method which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information, the medium to be cut has a two-layer structure with two layers stacked on top of each other, the first cutting method is a cutting method that completely cuts both layers of the medium to be cut, and the second cutting method is a cutting method that performs a half-cut in which one of the layers of the medium to be cut is not completely cut. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cut control method for a cutting apparatus comprising a cutting unit that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, wherein the method includes a step of controlling the cutting unit to perform a special cut inside the unwanted area when the design information includes unwanted area information indicating an unwanted area to be removed after the cut, the special cut is performed by a second cutting method different from a first cutting method which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information, and the pressure applied by the cutter blade when cutting the medium to be cut is different between the first cutting method and the second cutting method. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a cut control method for a cutting apparatus comprising a cutting unit that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, wherein the method includes a step of controlling the cutting unit to perform a special cut inside the unwanted area when the design information includes unwanted area information indicating an unwanted area to be removed after the cut, the special cut is performed by a second cutting method that is different from a first cutting method which is the way the cutter blade moves when cutting based on the design information, and the speed at which the cutter blade cuts the medium to be cut is different between the first cutting method and the second cutting method. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the unnecessary area inside the cut region can be removed easily and smoothly. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing a cutting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a cutting device. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing a mounting platform on which a cardboard base with paper attached is placed. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of terminal devices. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the control procedure for the weeding and cutting process. [Figure 6] This diagram shows an example of a weeding cut. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram showing the cross-section of the paper when the paper is being trimmed, and (b) is a diagram showing the movement of the cutter blade when the paper is being trimmed. [Figure 8] This diagram shows how to set the weeding cut width and weeding cut length. [Figure 9] This diagram shows how to set the weeding cut width and weeding cut length. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing an example of a waste removal cut. [Figure 11] (a) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of waste removal cuts. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the cut data generation process. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing an example of a necessity selection reception screen. [Figure 14] (a) to (d) are diagrams showing examples of necessity selection reception screens. [Figure 15] (a), (b), and (d) are diagrams showing examples of necessity selection reception screens, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a symbol mark. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the control procedure of the waste removal cut process of a modified example.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. As shown in FIG. 1, the cutting system 1 of the present embodiment includes a cutting device 10 and a terminal device 50.

[0010] The cutting device 10 is a device that cuts (cuts) a planar cut medium such as a rectangle attached to a mount board 32 (described later) placed (set) on a mounting table 31 (described later) into an arbitrary planar shape. In the present embodiment, an example in which paper 60 (see FIG. 3) such as A4 paper is used as the cut medium will be described, but it is not limited thereto. As the cut medium, other media such as sheets, seals, and leather made of resin or the like that can be cut with a cutter blade may also be used.

[0011] The terminal device (cut data generation device) 50 is a PC (Personal Computer) or a server that performs processes such as generation and editing of cut data indicating the planar shape, position, etc. to be cut by the cutting device 10. The terminal device 50 also performs other operations such as receiving input of operation information regarding the cutting device 10 and displaying display information regarding the cutting device 10. The terminal device 50 is used by being communicatively connected to the cutting device 10 via wireless communication. Note that the terminal device 50 communicatively connected to the cutting device 10 is not limited to a PC, and may be other terminal devices such as a smartphone or a tablet PC. The communication method of the wireless communication between the cutting device 10 and the terminal device 50 shall be Bluetooth (registered trademark). However, the communication method of the wireless communication is not limited to Bluetooth, and other communication methods such as Wi-Fi (registered trademark) may be used. The communication connection between the cutting device 10 and the terminal device 50 is not limited to wireless communication, and may be wired communication. The wired communication is, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus) wired communication via a communication cable.

[0012] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the cutting device 10 includes an MPU (Micro Processor Unit) 11 as a control unit, an operation unit 12, a storage unit 13, an indicator unit 14, a wired communication unit 15, a wireless communication unit 16, a cutting unit 17, an origin position detection unit 18, a paper feeding unit 19, and a paper feeding detection unit 20. Each unit of the cutting device 10 is connected via a bus 21.

[0013] The MPU 11 controls various parts of the cutting device 10. The MPU 11 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory). The CPU reads a specified program from among the various programs stored in the memory unit 13, loads it into the RAM, and executes various processes in cooperation with the loaded program. The RAM is a volatile semiconductor memory, and a work area is formed to temporarily store various data and programs. The operation unit 12 has various buttons, accepts press input from the user to each button, and outputs the operation information to the MPU 11. The various buttons on the operation unit 12 include position keys for moving the position of the paper 60, a button to pause cutting, a button to set the paper 60, and a button to remove the paper 60.

[0014] The memory unit 13 is a memory unit capable of reading and writing information such as flash memory. The memory unit 13 stores various data such as cut data and various programs. In particular, the memory unit 13 stores the weeding cut program 131 for executing the weeding cut process described later. The indicator unit 14 has a light-emitting unit such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and indicates various states of the cutting device 10 by turning it on / off. The indicator unit 14 has, for example, a power lamp that indicates the power on / off. The indicator unit 14 turns the light-emitting unit on / off according to the instructions of the MPU 11.

[0015] The wired communication unit 15 is a wired communication interface for communication standards such as USB. The MPU 11 transmits and receives information with external devices such as the terminal device 50 via the wired communication unit 15 and the communication cable. The wireless communication unit 16 has an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and is a Bluetooth wireless communication interface with external devices such as the terminal device 50. The MPU 11 transmits and receives information with external devices such as the terminal device 50 via the wireless communication unit 16.

[0016] The cutting unit 17 includes an X-axis motor 171, a Z-axis motor 172, a carriage 173, and a cutter blade 174. Following instructions from the MPU 11, the cutting unit 17 moves the cutter blade 174 mounted on the carriage 173 in the X-axis and Z-axis directions, driven by the X-axis motor 171 and the Z-axis motor 172. The cutting unit 17 cuts the paper 60, which is attached to a base sheet 32 ​​placed (set) on the mounting table 31, into any desired planar shape by moving the cutter blade 174. The cutter blade 174 is mounted on the carriage 173 with its axis (drive axis) 174c (see Figure 7(a)) rotatable around its axis. In other words, the cutter blade 174 is designed so that when the paper (medium to be cut) 60 is cut, the blade faces in the cutting direction. To orient the blade in the cutting direction, the carriage 173 and / or paper feed unit 19 are driven while the tip (edge) of the cutter blade 174 is slightly touching the paper 60, thereby allowing the blade to be oriented in the desired direction. Now, referring to Figure 3, the paper 60 attached to the base sheet 32 ​​placed on the mounting table 31, and the X, Y, and Z axes will be explained.

[0017] The backing sheet 32 ​​is used for purposes such as preventing the cutter blade 174 from damaging the mounting table 31 and ensuring that the paper 60 is placed in the correct position. The backing sheet 32 ​​has a rectangular shape in planar form. Since the backing sheet 32 ​​is placed on the mounting table 31, it has a shape that fits within the planar shape of the mounting table 31. The backing sheet 32 ​​is made of a soft material so as not to damage the cutter blade 174 when cutting the paper 60, and has an adhesive applied to its upper surface for attaching the paper 60. The mounting table 31 is on which the backing sheet 32 ​​with the paper 60 attached is placed. The X-axis is taken as the main scanning direction when transporting the mounting table 31 (backing sheet 32, paper 60). The Y-axis is perpendicular to the X-axis and is taken as the transport direction (paper feeding direction, sub-scanning direction) of the mounting table 31 (backing sheet 32, paper 60). The Z-axis is perpendicular to the XY plane and is taken as the direction in which the cutter blade 174 moves up and down relative to the paper 60.

[0018] Returning to Figure 2, the X-axis motor 171 is a motor that drives the carriage 173 in the X-axis direction according to the instructions of the MPU 11. The Z-axis motor 172 is a motor that drives the cutter blade 174 in the Z-axis direction according to the instructions of the MPU 11. The carriage 173 is a movable part in the X-axis direction on which the cutter blade 174 is mounted. The cutter blade 174 is a blade made of a conductive material such as metal for cutting paper 60, with a cutting edge that is, for example, angled at its tip.

[0019] The origin position detection unit 18 is a position detection unit, such as an optical sensor, that detects whether or not the cutter blade 174 is at the origin position in the X-axis direction, according to instructions from the MPU 11. The origin position detection unit 18 outputs the detection result of whether or not the cutter blade 174 is at the origin position to the MPU 11. The MPU 11 uses the detection result of whether or not the cutter blade 174 is at the origin position to control the position of the cutter blade 174 in the X-axis direction of the cutting unit 17.

[0020] The paper feeding unit 19 has a Y-axis motor 191. The paper feeding unit 19 is a transport unit that, in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11, transports the mounting table 31 on which the backing sheet 32 ​​with the paper 60 attached is placed in the Y-axis direction by driving the Y-axis motor 191. The paper feeding detection unit 20 is a detection unit, such as an optical sensor, that, in accordance with instructions from the MPU 11, detects whether or not the mounting table 31 on which the backing sheet 32 ​​with the paper 60 attached is placed has been fed (set) into the paper feeding opening of the paper feeding unit 19. The paper feeding detection unit 20 outputs the detection result of the paper 60 being set to the MPU 11.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, the terminal device 50 comprises a CPU 51, RAM 52, storage unit 53, display unit 54, operation unit 55, and communication unit 56. Each part of the terminal device 50 is connected via a bus 57. The CPU (display control means, reception means, ancillary means) 51 is a processor that controls the operation of each part of the terminal device 50 by reading and executing the program 531 stored in the storage unit 53 and performing various calculations. The RAM 52 provides the CPU 51 with a working memory space and stores temporary data. The storage unit 53 is a non-temporary recording medium readable by the CPU 51 as a computer, and stores the program 531 and various data (e.g., cut data).

[0022] The display unit 54 consists of an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc., and displays various information according to the display information instructed by the CPU 51. The operation unit 55 has a key input unit such as a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse, and receives key operation input and position operation input from the user, and outputs the operation information to the CPU 51. The CPU 51 accepts the user's input operation based on the information transmitted from the operation unit 55. The communication unit 56 is, for example, a communication unit that employs a wireless standard such as Bluetooth, or a wired communication unit such as a USB terminal.

[0023] Furthermore, the cutting device 10 performs a weeding cut during the weeding cut process (see Figure 5). This weeding cut (special cut) is a cut that makes it easier to identify unnecessary areas (weed areas) when the paper 60 is cut into an arbitrary shape, and also makes it easier to remove these unnecessary areas, by creating a so-called curl. Here, the manner of the weeding cut will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, in the paper 60, the outer perimeter (cut line) 62 of the required area 61, which has an octagonal shape, is cut, and the outer perimeter (cut line) 64 of the unnecessary area 63, which is a vertically elongated ellipse inside the required area 61, is cut. Inside the unnecessary area 63, the aforementioned weeding cut is performed, forming a zigzag-shaped cut C. In other words, multiple wedge-shaped cuts are made. These cuts C are formed by driving the cutter blade 174 in a zigzag motion. At this time, the cutting edge of the cutter blade 174 does not follow the movement of the axis of the cutter blade 174, so irregularities such as curling of the paper 60 occur at the corners (mountain-shaped tips) of the cut C. Now, referring to Figure 7, the movement of the cutter blade 174 during weeding will be explained.

[0025] As shown in Figure 7(a), when the weeding cut is performed, the tip 174a of the cutter blade 174 penetrates the paper 60, while the base 174b of the cutter blade 174 is set so as not to penetrate the paper 60. As shown in Figure 7(b), when the shaft (drive shaft) 174c of the cutter blade 174 reaches the corner CN during the weeding cut, the shaft 174c is at position c1 in the figure, the tip 174a is at position a1, and the base 174b is at position b1. Then, when the shaft 174c moves from position c1 to position c2 in a wedge-shaped (V-shaped) trajectory, the tip 174a moves to position a2 and the base 174b moves to position b2. Since the cutter blade 174 is embedded in the paper 60 from the tip 174a to the base 174b, when the tip 174a moves from position a1 to a2 and the base 174b moves from position b1 to b2, the tip 174a and base 174b do not follow the movement of the axis 174c, causing the paper 60 to curl up in the area enclosed by a1, b1, a2, and b2. Therefore, when a weeding cut is performed, the wedge-shaped (V-shaped) movement of the axis 174c of the cutter blade 174 is repeated, causing curling to occur collectively in the aforementioned unwanted area (for example, the unwanted area 63 (see Figure 6)). As a result, the unwanted area becomes more conspicuous due to the curling, making it easy to identify. Furthermore, the unwanted area can be easily and smoothly removed by picking it up with tweezers or by hooking your finger into the curl.

[0026] Returning to Figure 5, when the weeding cut process begins, the MPU 11 first obtains unwanted area information from the cut data, indicating the shape and location of the unwanted areas (weed areas) (step S1). Here, it is assumed that, prior to the weeding cut process, a cut process (contour cut process) has been performed to cut the necessary areas (e.g., necessary area 61; see Figure 6) and the unwanted areas (e.g., unwanted area 63; see Figure 6) based on the cut data (design information) indicating the shape and location of each of these areas.

[0027] Next, the MPU 11 derives an inscribed quadrilateral A that maximizes the area of ​​the unwanted region based on the unwanted region information acquired in step S1 (step S2). In step S2, if there are multiple unwanted regions, the inscribed quadrilateral A that maximizes the area is derived for each unwanted region. Then, processing from step S3 onwards is performed for each unwanted region. In this embodiment, the inscribed quadrilateral A is assumed to be a rectangle as shown in Figures 8 and 9, but it may also be a trapezoid, parallelogram, or rhombus. Here, of the two pairs of sides of the derived inscribed quadrilateral A, the shorter side is defined as the width WA, and the longer side is defined as the height HA. Furthermore, as described above, the inscribed quadrilateral A is derived based on the unwanted region information, that is, it depends on the shape of the unwanted region, and the direction of the width WA and the height HA of the inscribed quadrilateral A are not necessarily aligned with the X-axis or Y-axis direction of the cutting device 10. If the derived inscribed quadrilateral A is a square, for example, the inscribed quadrilateral A is derived such that one pair of sides is parallel to the X-axis and the other pair of sides is parallel to the Y-axis. Then, the length of the side parallel to the X-axis is the width WA, and the length of the side parallel to the Y-axis is the height HA.

[0028] Next, the MPU11 determines whether the width WA of the inscribed quadrilateral A derived in step S2 (see Figures 8 and 9) is greater than the scraping cut reference width (step S3). Here, the scraping cut reference width is the default value of the scraping cut width, and a predetermined length (approximately 1 mm to 3 mm) is set. The scraping cut width, as shown in Figure 8, represents the stroke length from one corner CN1 of the zigzag-shaped cut C to the next corner CN2 that is continuous with the first corner CN1, where the shaft 174c of the cutter blade 174 reaches. The scraping cut angle is the angle of the corner of the cut C, and is set to a predetermined angle (an angle of 90 degrees or less). The scraping cut length represents the length of the cut C in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the scraping cut width.

[0029] In step S3, if it is determined that the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A is greater than the scraping cut reference width (step S3; YES), the MPU 11 sets the scraping cut width to the scraping reference width, as shown in Figure 8 (step S4). Subsequently, the MPU 11 sets the scraping cut position so that one end of the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A (for example, the left end in the figure) coincides with the corner of the scraping cut (notch C) that is closest to that end (for example, the left end in the figure) (step S5). In this way, when the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A is greater than the scraping cut reference width, the scraping cut width may be set to match the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A, but curling occurs only at the corners of the scraping cut (notch C), and it is preferable to shorten the time required for cutting (scraping) other than the corners. For this reason, when the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A is greater than the scraping cut reference width, setting the scraping cut width to the scraping reference width suppresses the time required for scraping. Furthermore, by setting the scraping cut position to one end of the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A, it is possible to cause a curl around the edge of the unwanted area 63, making it easier to remove the unwanted area 63 compared to when the curl is caused in the center of the unwanted area 63. In step S5, the scraping cut position may also be set so that the other end of the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A (for example, the right end in the figure) coincides with the corner of the scraping cut (notch C) that is closer to that other end (for example, the right end in the figure). In step S5, the scraping cut position is set so that one end of the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A coincides with the corner of the scraping cut (notch C) that is closer to that end, but for example, the scraping cut position may also be set so that the corner of the scraping cut that is closer to that end is about 0.5 mm inside that end.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figure 8, the MPU11 sets the scraping cut length to the height HA of the inscribed rectangle A (step S8). Note that the scraping cut length does not necessarily have to be set to the height HA of the inscribed rectangle A. For example, if the value (length) of the height HA of the inscribed rectangle A is greater than or equal to a predetermined value that is the minimum required for scraping, the scraping cut length may be set to that predetermined value. The predetermined value is, for example, a value corresponding to the scraping cut length when scraping is performed so that 1 to 10 corners are formed.

[0031] Next, the MPU 11 adds a cut line (design for special cuts) for performing a special cut to the cut data based on the weeding cut width set in step S4, the weeding cut position set in step S5, and the weeding cut length set in step S8, and causes the cut unit 17 to perform the weeding cut (step S9). Then, the MPU 11 finishes the weeding cut process.

[0032] Furthermore, in step S3, if it is determined that the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A is not greater than the scraping cut reference width (step S3; NO), the MPU 11 sets the scraping cut width to the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A, as shown in Figure 9 (step S6). Subsequently, the MPU 11 sets the scraping cut position so that the corners of the scraping cut (cut C) fit within the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A (step S7). Subsequently, the MPU 11 sets the scraping cut length to the height HA of the inscribed rectangle A (step S8). Note that even if it is determined that the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A is not greater than the scraping cut reference width, the scraping cut length does not necessarily have to be set to the height HA of the inscribed rectangle A. For example, if the value (length) of the height HA of the inscribed rectangle A is greater than or equal to a predetermined value that is the minimum required for scraping, the scraping cut length may be set to that predetermined value.

[0033] Next, the MPU 11 adds a cut line (design for special cuts) for performing a special cut to the cut data based on the weeding cut width set in step S6, the weeding cut position set in step S7, and the weeding cut length set in step S8, and causes the cut unit 17 to perform the weeding cut (step S9). Then, the MPU 11 finishes the weeding cut process.

[0034] As described above, according to this embodiment, the cutting device 10 comprises a cutting unit 17 that cuts paper (medium to be cut) 60 based on cutting data (predetermined design information), and an MPU (control unit) 11. When the cutting data (predetermined design information) includes unnecessary area information indicating unnecessary areas to be removed after cutting, the MPU (control unit) 11 controls the cutting unit 17 to perform a weeding cut (special cut) that causes a curl inside the unnecessary area. As a result, a weeding cut is performed that causes a curl inside the unnecessary area, so the unnecessary area can be easily and smoothly removed by picking up the curl with tweezers or hooking a finger into the curl. In addition, since the unnecessary area becomes more noticeable due to the curl, it becomes easy to identify the unnecessary area.

[0035] Furthermore, the weeding cut (special cut) is a cut that makes one or more wedge-shaped cuts by moving the drive shaft 174c of the cutter blade 174 to change the direction of the cutting edge of the cutter blade 174 while the cutter blade 174 that constitutes the cutting section 17 is in the paper (medium to be cut) 60. As a result, when cutting a bent line in which lines of different directions are connected, such as a wedge shape, normally, one line of the wedge shape is cut from start to end, then the cutter blade 174 is temporarily retracted from the paper 60, the direction of the blade tip is changed while the cutter blade 174 is not penetrating the paper 60, and then the other line of the wedge shape is cut (first cutting method). However, in the weeding cut, the direction of the blade tip is changed by moving the drive shaft 174c of the cutter blade 174 while the cutter blade 174 is cut into the paper 60 (the cutter blade 174 has penetrated the paper 60) (second cutting method), thereby making a wedge-shaped cut, which allows for the desirable creation of curling.

[0036] Furthermore, the MPU11 sets the width (weeding cut width), length (weeding cut length), and position (weeding cut position) of the cut C when the weeding cut (special cut) is performed, based on the size and shape of the unwanted area, so that the weeding cut can be performed appropriately inside the unwanted area.

[0037] Furthermore, if the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area is greater than the reference width of the cut C (weeding cut reference width) when the weeding cut (special cut) is performed, the MPU11 sets the width of the cut C to the reference width of the cut C. If the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area is less than or equal to the reference width of the cut C when the weeding cut (special cut) is performed, the MPU11 sets the width of the cut C to the width of the inscribed rectangle A. As a result, the width of the cut C (weeding cut width) when the weeding cut is performed is set according to the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area, so that the weeding cut can be performed appropriately inside the unwanted area. In addition, if the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area is greater than the reference width of the cut C (weeding cut reference width) when the weeding cut is performed, setting the width of the cut C (weeding cut width) to the reference width of the cut C can suppress the time required for the weeding cut from becoming too long.

[0038] Furthermore, if the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area is greater than the reference width (weeding cut reference width) of the cut C when a weeding cut (special cut) is performed, the MPU11 sets the position of the cut C so that one end of the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A coincides with the corner of the cut C closest to that end. If the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area is less than or equal to the reference width (weeding cut reference width) of the cut C when a weeding cut (special cut) is performed, the MPU11 sets the position of the cut C so that the corner of the cut C fits within the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A. As a result, the position of the cut C (weeding cut position) when a weeding cut is performed is set according to the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area, so that a weeding cut can be performed appropriately inside the unwanted area. Furthermore, if the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A of the unwanted area is greater than the reference width of the cut C when the scraping cut is performed (scraping cut reference width), the position of the cut C can be set so that one end of the width WA of the inscribed rectangle A coincides with the corner of the cut C closest to that end, thereby causing a curl around the edge of the unwanted area. This makes it easier to remove the unwanted area compared to when the curl is caused in the center of the unwanted area.

[0039] Furthermore, the MPU11 sets the length of the cut C when the weeding cut is performed to be less than or equal to the height of the inscribed rectangle A in the unwanted area, so that the weeding cut can be performed appropriately inside the unwanted area.

[0040] Furthermore, the scraping cut is performed using a second cutting method, which is different from the first cutting method, which involves moving the cutter blade 174 based on the cutting data (predetermined design information). This allows for the creation of a suitable curl when a wedge-shaped cut is made, and the unwanted area can be easily and smoothly removed by pinching the curl with tweezers or by hooking a finger into the curl.

[0041] The above description of the embodiment is merely an example of the cutting device, cutting control method, and program according to the present invention, and is not limited thereto. For example, in the above embodiment, the weeding cut (special cut) may be a half-cut that does not completely cut the medium to be cut. For example, if the medium to be cut is a sticker paper consisting of at least two layers, a base material and a sticker, the second cutting method described above may be used to perform a weeding cut only on the sticker portion. When cutting the sticker paper using the first cutting method described above, the two layers of the base material and the sticker are completely cut.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the scraping cut is performed to form a continuous zigzag-shaped cut C (see Figure 6). However, for example, as shown in Figure 10, the scraping cut may be performed so that multiple wedge-shaped (V-shaped) cuts C are formed at positions separated from each other.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pressure and cutting speed of the cutter blade 174 when making an incision in the paper (medium to be cut) 60 are not specified for normal cutting and weeding cutting. However, these may be changed in order to suitably generate curling. For example, in weeding cutting, the pressure applied by the cutter blade 174 when making an incision in the paper 60 may be increased (or decreased) or the cutting speed may be increased (or slowed) compared to normal cutting.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in step S2 of the scraping cut process (see Figure 5), the inscribed quadrilateral A may be derived such that, for example, the direction of the width WA of the inscribed quadrilateral A is aligned with the X-axis or Y-axis direction of the cutting device 10. In addition, in this case, the scraping cut (notch C) may be made along one of the four sides of the inscribed quadrilateral A that has been specified in advance. For example, if the left side of the four sides of the inscribed quadrilateral A is specified in advance, the scraping cut position is set so that the left side of the inscribed quadrilateral A coincides with the corner of the scraping cut (notch C) that is closest to that left side, as shown in Figure 11(a), so that the notch C can be made. Also, if the right side of the four sides of the inscribed quadrilateral A is specified in advance, the scraping cut position is set so that the right side of the inscribed quadrilateral A coincides with the corner of the scraping cut (notch C) that is closest to that right side, as shown in Figure 11(b), so that the notch C can be made. Furthermore, if the upper side of the inscribed quadrilateral A is predetermined, the scraping cut position is set so that the upper side of the inscribed quadrilateral A coincides with the corner of the scraping cut (notch C) closest to that upper side, as shown in Figure 11(c), so that notch C can be made. Also, if the lower side of the inscribed quadrilateral A is predetermined, the scraping cut position is set so that the lower side of the inscribed quadrilateral A coincides with the corner of the scraping cut (notch C) closest to that lower side, as shown in Figure 11(d), so that notch C can be made.

[0045] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0046] In the weeding cut process of the above embodiment (see Figure 5), weeding is automatically performed on unnecessary areas (e.g., unnecessary area 63; see Figure 6) even if the user does not want it done. This has the problem that peeling caused by the weeding cut can prevent the unnecessary area from being used for other purposes (e.g., masking). Furthermore, if the unnecessary area is too small to be weeded, errors in the drive position of the cutter blade 174 can affect the necessary area adjacent to the unnecessary area. Therefore, in this modified example, when the cut data generation process (described later) is performed to generate cut data, the user is asked to select whether or not to weed for each unnecessary area, and necessity identification information indicating whether or not to weed is attached to the cut data (unnecessary area information). Then, in the weeding cut process of this modified example (described later), weeding is performed only on the unnecessary areas where weeding is necessary, based on the necessity identification information.

[0047] First, the cut data generation process performed by the terminal device 50 will be explained with reference to Figure 12. When the cut data generation process is started, the CPU 51 of the terminal device 50 generates cut data based on user operation and determines whether or not the generation of the cut data has been completed (step S101). If it is determined in step S101 that the generation of the cut data has not been completed (step S101; NO), the CPU 51 repeats the determination process in step S101 until the generation of the cut data is completed. If it is determined that the generation of the cut data has been completed (step S101; YES), the CPU 51 displays a necessity selection acceptance screen G1 on the display unit 54, which accepts the selection of whether or not to perform a scraping cut for each unnecessary area (step S102). If cut data has been generated in advance and the cut data is stored in the storage unit 53, the necessity selection acceptance screen G1 may be displayed on the display unit 54 when the cut data is retrieved from the storage unit 53.

[0048] As shown in Figure 13, on the necessity selection reception screen G1, a cutting image G11 is displayed based on the generated cut data, and a message information G12 prompting the user to select whether or not to perform a weeding cut (for example, "Please specify the area to include a weeding cut.") is displayed. The cutting image G11 is displayed in a manner that allows the necessary area G111 and the unnecessary area G112 to be distinguished from each other. For example, the necessary area G111 is displayed with hatching, and the unnecessary area G112 is displayed with a white background. In addition, each of the unnecessary areas G112 can be specified via the operation unit 55 (for example, by touching the unnecessary area G112). As shown in Figure 13, when an unnecessary area G112 is specified, that unnecessary area G112 is designated as an area where a weeding cut is to be made (an area where a weeding cut is required), and as shown in Figure 14(a), the display mode of that unnecessary area G112 is changed from a white background to a predetermined display color (for example, gray). On the other hand, when the display mode of an unnecessary area G112 is a predetermined display color, when an unnecessary area G112 is specified, that unnecessary area G112 is designated as an area where a weeding cut is not to be made (an area where a weeding cut is not required), and the display mode of that unnecessary area G112 is changed from a predetermined display color to a white background.

[0049] Furthermore, on the necessity selection screen G1, the necessary area G111 and the unnecessary area G112 may be distinguished from each other, for example, by using different display colors or different color intensities. Also, on the necessity selection screen G1, the display mode of each unnecessary area G112 is not limited to being displayed as a white background when the cutting image G11 is first displayed, but may also be displayed in the predetermined display colors mentioned above. That is, each unnecessary area G112 may be displayed in a state where it has been designated (selected) as an area to be weeded. In addition, the cutting image G11 may not distinguish between the necessary area G111 and the unnecessary area G112, and may only display the cut lines G113 when cutting these areas, as shown in Figure 14(b).

[0050] Furthermore, the method for accepting the selection of whether or not a weeding cut is necessary is not limited to the operation of directly specifying the unnecessary area G112 as described above. For example, as shown in Figure 14(c), an input form G13 may be provided for inputting the number of the area to be weeded (the area where a weeding cut is necessary), and the selection of whether or not a weeding cut is necessary may be accepted by inputting the number of the area to be weeded into the input form G13 based on user operation. In this case, the cutting image G11 is labeled with a number (1 to 4) that identifies each unnecessary area G112. In the example in Figure 14(c), the unnecessary area G112 corresponding to number "2" is designated (selected) as the area to be weeded. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 14(d), a selection form G14 may be provided for selecting whether or not a weeding cut is necessary for each unnecessary area G112, and the selection of whether or not a weeding cut is necessary may be accepted using the selection form G14. In this case, the cutting image G11 is labeled with a number (1 to 4) that identifies each unnecessary area G112. In the example shown in Figure 14(d), the unwanted area G112, corresponding to number "2", is designated (selected) as the area where the weeding cut will be inserted.

[0051] Furthermore, on the necessity selection screen G1, if an area is designated (selected) as a place to insert a weeding cut, the designated unnecessary area G112 may be displayed in a predetermined display color, as shown in Figure 15(a), and a symbol mark M indicating the position where the weeding cut will be made may be displayed. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 15(b), the designated unnecessary area G112 may not be displayed in a predetermined display color, and the above-mentioned symbol mark M may be displayed to make the area to insert a weeding cut identifiable. The above-mentioned symbol mark M may be displayed in the form of a rectangle circumscribing the actual weeding cut (cut C) to be made, as shown in Figure 15(c)(i), but it may also be displayed in the form of the center line of the actual weeding cut (cut C) to be made, as shown in Figure 15(c)(ii). Alternatively, as shown in Figure 15(d), a cut line CL indicating the actual weeding cut (cut C) to be made may be displayed instead of the symbol mark M. In such cases, the cut line CL may be displayed in red or blinked to make it easier to understand.

[0052] Returning to Figure 12, the CPU 51 then determines whether the selection of whether or not to perform the scraping cut has been completed on the necessity selection acceptance screen G1 (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the selection of whether or not to perform the scraping cut has not been completed (step S103; NO), the CPU 51 repeats the determination process in step S103 until it is determined that the selection has been completed. If it is determined in step S103 that the selection of whether or not to perform the scraping cut has been completed (step S103; YES), the CPU 51 associates the necessity identification information regarding the scraping cut with each unnecessary area and attaches it to the cut data (unnecessary area information) based on the selection result of whether or not to perform the scraping cut on the necessity selection acceptance screen G1 (step S104). The CPU 51 then terminates the cut data generation process. The format in which the above necessity identification information is attached to the cut data may be either by attaching the necessity identification information to the cut data itself, or by having the necessity identification information separately from the cut data.

[0053] Next, with reference to Figure 16, a modified version of the scraping cut process will be described. When the scraping cut process of this modified version is started, the MPU 11 acquires unnecessary area information from the cut data, similar to the scraping cut process of the above embodiment (see Figure 5) (step S1). Then, the MPU 11 determines whether or not there are unnecessary areas that require scraping cut based on the necessity identification information attached to the unnecessary area information (step S201). If it is determined in step S201 that there are no unnecessary areas that require scraping cut (step S201; NO), the MPU 11 terminates the scraping cut process. If it is determined in step S201 that there are unnecessary areas that require scraping cut (step S201; YES), the MPU 11 performs the processing from step S2 onwards on the unnecessary areas that require scraping cut, and then terminates the scraping cut process. Note that the processing from step S2 onwards is the same as the scraping cut process described in the above embodiment, so its explanation will be omitted.

[0054] As described above, according to this modified configuration, the CPU 51 of the terminal device 50 displays the unnecessary areas (cutting image G11) of the paper (medium to be cut) 60 that become unnecessary after cutting by the cutting device 10 based on predetermined cutting data on the display unit 54. The CPU 51 also accepts from the user whether or not a weeding cut (special cut) is necessary, which causes curling inside the unnecessary areas (cutting image G11) displayed on the display unit 54, and is performed by the cutting device 10. The CPU 51 also attaches necessity identification information indicating whether or not a weeding cut is necessary to the cut data. This allows the weeding cut to be performed only on the unnecessary areas desired by the user when the cutting device 10 performs cutting based on the above cutting data, thus enabling flexible weeding.

[0055] Furthermore, when the CPU 51 accepts a selection regarding whether or not scraping is necessary, it displays the unnecessary areas requiring scraping in a manner that the user can identify. This allows the user to check in advance which unnecessary areas will be scraped, thus preventing scraping from being performed on unwanted areas.

[0056] Furthermore, when the CPU 51 receives a request to select whether or not to perform a weeding cut, it displays a predetermined mark (symbol mark M) at the location where the weeding cut will be performed within the unnecessary area where the weeding cut is required. This allows the unnecessary area where the weeding cut will be performed to be confirmed in advance, and makes it easier to visualize the actual location of the weeding cut.

[0057] While modifications of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the modifications described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 1 Cutting system, 10 Cutting device, 11 MPU, 17 Cutting section, 174 Cutter blade, 50 Terminal device (cutting data generation device), 51 CPU, 54 Display unit, 60 Paper (medium to be cut)

Claims

1. A cutting control method for a cutting device equipped with a cutting unit that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, If the design information includes information indicating unnecessary areas to be removed after the cut, the process includes controlling the cut portion to perform a special cut inside the unnecessary areas. The special cut is performed using a second cutting method, which is different from the first cutting method, which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information. The first cutting method is a method for cutting a bent line in which lines of different directions are connected, in which, after completing the cut from the start point to the end point of one line of the bent line, the cutter blade is retracted from the medium to be cut to change the orientation of the cutter blade, and then the cutting of the other line of the bent line is started. The second cutting method is a method in which, when cutting the refraction line, after completing the cut from the start point to the end point of one line of the refraction line, the cutting of the other line of the refraction line is started without retracting the cutter blade from the material to be cut. A method for controlling cuts, characterized by the following features.

2. A cutting control method for a cutting device comprising a cutting section that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, If the design information includes information indicating unnecessary areas to be removed after the cut, the process includes controlling the cut portion to perform a special cut inside the unnecessary areas. The special cut is performed using a second cutting method, which is different from the first cutting method, which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information. The aforementioned cutting medium has a two-layer structure with two layers stacked on top of each other. The first cutting method is a cutting method that completely cuts two layers of the medium to be cut, The second cutting method is a cutting method that performs a half-cut, in which one layer of the medium to be cut is not completely cut. The cut control method according to feature 1.

3. A cutting control method for a cutting device comprising a cutting unit that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, If the design information includes information indicating unnecessary areas to be removed after the cut, the process includes controlling the cut portion to perform a special cut inside the unnecessary areas. The special cut is performed using a second cutting method, which is different from the first cutting method, which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information. The first cutting method and the second cutting method differ in the pressure applied by the cutter blade when cutting the medium to be cut. The cut control method according to feature 1.

4. A cutting control method for a cutting device comprising a cutting unit that cuts a medium to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, If the design information includes information indicating unnecessary areas to be removed after the cut, the process includes controlling the cut portion to perform a special cut inside the unnecessary areas. The special cut is performed using a second cutting method, which is different from the first cutting method, which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information. The first cutting method and the second cutting method differ in the speed at which the cutter blade cuts the medium to be cut. The cut control method according to feature 1.

5. The special cut is a cut that makes one or more wedge-shaped incisions inside the unwanted area. The cut control method according to feature 1.

6. A cutting unit that cuts the material to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, Control unit and Equipped with, If the design information includes information indicating an unwanted area to be removed after the cut, the control unit controls the cutting section to perform a special cut inside the unwanted area indicated by the information. The special cut is performed using a second cutting method, which is different from the first cutting method, which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information. The first cutting method is a method for cutting a bent line in which lines of different directions are connected, in which, after completing the cut from the start point to the end point of one line of the bent line, the cutter blade is retracted from the medium to be cut to change the orientation of the cutter blade, and then the cutting of the other line of the bent line is started. The second cutting method is a method in which, when cutting the refraction line, after completing the cut from the start point to the end point of one line of the refraction line, the cutting of the other line of the refraction line is started without retracting the cutter blade from the material to be cut. A cutting device characterized by the following features.

7. A computer for a cutting device that has a cutting section that cuts the material to be cut with a cutter blade based on predetermined design information, If the design information includes information indicating unwanted areas to be removed after the cut, a control means controls the cutting portion to perform a special cut inside the unwanted areas indicated by the information. To make it function as, The special cut is performed using a second cutting method, which is different from the first cutting method, which is the way the cutter blade is moved when cutting based on the design information. The first cutting method is a method for cutting a bent line in which lines of different directions are connected, in which, after completing the cut from the start point to the end point of one line of the bent line, the cutter blade is retracted from the medium to be cut to change the orientation of the cutter blade, and then the cutting of the other line of the bent line is started. The second cutting method is a method in which, when cutting the refraction line, after completing the cut from the start point to the end point of one line of the refraction line, the cutting of the other line of the refraction line is started without retracting the cutter blade from the material to be cut. A program characterized by the following features.

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